As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

The two blind men heard that Jesus was passing by and realized that this was the perfect opportunity to ask for help. They cried out to Him. The crowd told them to be quiet. How many of us try to prevent people from seeking God? These men were determined. They shouted even louder. Jesus heard them and stopped. Jesus asked them what they wanted Him to do for them although He already knew. When we want something from God, we should state it clearly.

They told Jesus that they wanted their sight. They had faith that He could restore it. Their persistence proved this. They didn’t allow the crowd to discourage them. They were not about to let this opportunity pass them by just to appease a crowd. We should follow their example. We should not allow what others think to influence us or the decisions we make. We are responsible for our own well being. These men had a chance to see and if they had allowed the crowd to intimidate them they would still be blind and probably begging in the streets. They wanted to improve their situation. They didn’t want to be sitting on the roadside anymore. They wanted to have the kind of life that Jesus could bless them with if He would give them their sight.

Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight. And what did they do? They followed Him. They didn’t run off. They followed Him. When Jesus shows compassion to those who seek Him they are so thankful that they want to be with Him. They make the life-changing decision to follow Him.

Today, if you have a need that could improve your life or your situation, cry out to Jesus. He will show you the same compassion He showed those men. Don’t let your family or friends discourage you from seeking the only One who can positively change your life.